Rep counter app

How it works

Apex One tracks the position of your joints through the camera and counts a rep when you move through the full range and back. Reps it couldn't fully see aren't counted, so the number stays honest. Video stays on your phone.

Exercises it counts

Squats, lunges, deadlifts, bent-over rows, overhead presses, bicep curls, push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks and high knees.

Ways apps count reps

• Camera-based: the phone camera tracks your body position and counts each full movement. Works for many exercises, needs the phone set up where it can see you.
• Motion-sensor based: a watch or phone in your pocket uses its motion sensors. Easy to wear, but often struggles with slow strength reps.
• Proximity based: you touch the screen with your nose or chest (push-ups only). Simple, but easy to cheat.
• Manual: you tap a button for each rep. Reliable if you're honest, but distracting.

Getting accurate counts with a camera

• Prop the phone up at about waist height, 2 to 3 metres away.
• Make sure your whole body is in the frame, including feet.
• Use decent lighting, with the light in front of you, not behind.
• Wear clothes that contrast with the background.
• Turn sideways for exercises where depth matters, like squats and push-ups, if the app suggests it.

Why counting matters

Counting your own reps is surprisingly hard once you're tired. People lose count, round up, or let the last few reps get shorter. An automatic counter keeps the number honest, frees your attention for your form, and gives you consistent data from one session to the next so you can see real progress.

That's also why Apex One only counts reps that reach full range. A counter that counts anything that moves gives you a bigger number but less useful information.

Privacy

Apex One processes the camera feed on your phone to count reps. Video isn't uploaded. Your workout totals and form scores are saved to your account so your progress follows you between devices.

Exercises Apex One counts

Apex One counts 10 exercises with the camera: squats, push-ups, lunges, bicep curls, deadlifts, bent-over rows, overhead presses, sit-ups, jumping jacks and high knees. Every rep gets a form score and the count is spoken out loud. Rehab programs are voice-led instead: they count at a steady pace and time holds, without the camera.

Using counts to plan your next session

• Beat one number per session: one more rep in a set, or one more set.
• If you miss your target two sessions in a row, take an easier day.
• Use your weekly total per exercise to keep volume steady while you vary the plan.

Using a rep counter in your training

A counter is most useful when you track the numbers over time. Note your total reps per exercise each session, your best single set, and how many sets it took to hit your target. Week to week, those numbers tell you whether you're improving and when to make an exercise harder.

It also helps with pacing. If your counter tells you the last set took much longer than the first, you were probably slowing down from fatigue. That's useful information for deciding when to stop.

Limitations to know about

Camera counters need you in view, so they're less handy in a crowded gym or for exercises where you move around a lot. They also only count the exercises they've been built to recognise. Apex One counts 10 exercises with the camera; for anything else, you count yourself.

Lighting, baggy clothing and busy backgrounds can confuse tracking. Setting the phone up well solves most problems.

Try before you buy

Apex One has a free squat counter that runs in your browser, so you can see how camera counting works before you pay. Apex One+ is $19.99/mo or $99/yr, cancel anytime.

Camera vs wearable vs tapping

• Camera apps watch your whole body, so they can count and check form on moves like squats and push-ups.
• Wrist wearables estimate reps from arm motion. They do best on arm-heavy moves and can miss squats or lunges.
• Tap or voice counters are just a clicker: reliable if you remember, no form feedback.

Setting up for accurate counts

• Phone side-on, about 2 to 3 metres away, whole body in view.
• Good light, plain background if you can.
• Move through the full range: reps that aren't fully tracked aren't counted.

What it costs

The squat demo is free in your browser. Apex One+ is $19.99/mo or $99/yr in the US, cancel anytime. Competitions are coming soon.

Who rep counters suit best

Rep counters are most useful for people training at home on their own: beginners who lose count or rush reps, people following a challenge, and anyone who wants proof they're progressing. If you train with a coach who counts for you, you'll get less out of one.

Phone setup

• Prop the phone at about hip height, 2 to 3 metres away.
• Side-on for squats, push-ups and deadlifts; facing you for jacks and presses.
• Good light and a plain background help.

Count every rep with your phone

Questions

Keep exploring

• Camera rep counterApex One
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